Press release: Exhibition "What the quant?!
No. 5 - 13.01.2025
Quantum mechanics exhibition opening on Wednesday 26 March at Forum Wissen
“What the quant?!” is the exhibition to celebrate the Quantum Year 2025 in the Forum Wissen, the knowledge museum of the University of Göttingen. The Forum Wissen is dedicating a large special exhibition to mark the topic of quantum mechanics, whose history is closely linked with Göttingen University. The exhibition tells the story of quantum physics from the year 1900 right up to the present day. It will run at the Forum Wissen from 27 March to 14 September 2025.
What exactly is quantum science anyway? Most people are probably not sure – even though quantum physics technology is practically everywhere: in lasers, solar cells, even in every supermarket checkout, as well as in science fiction films, and technology of the future such as quantum computers.
This makes quantum mechanics the most commercially successful physics theory of all time. And its birthplace is Göttingen. A mathematical description of quantum physics phenomena was developed here for the first time 100 years ago, turning the world view of physics at that time upside down. To mark the occasion, the United Nations officially declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
The special exhibition in the Forum Wissen explores how the understanding of quantum mechanics came together in 1925. It illustrates that science is a collaborative endeavour supported by exchange with others. The exhibition shows the role played by international research networks, together with the financial, political and social circumstances at the time that made the scientific breakthrough possible, and current technology that relies on quantum physics.
Hands-on experiments in quantum physics illustrate that the world works very differently at the level of individual atoms than we could ever imagine. A wide range of examples show where quantum technologies are currently in use. Playful and theatrical contributions developed by pupils as well as art installations invite visitors to explore the world of quanta in the Forum Wissen.
The exhibition was developed by Forum Wissen curators Dr Ramona Dölling and Christine Nawa in collaboration with Göttingen University physicist Professor Stefan Kehrein and other curators of collections across the University.
In parallel with the exhibition, an extensive supporting programme is being prepared, featuring concerts, lectures and workshops, with both adults and children in mind.
The public is invited to the opening on Wednesday 26 March 2025 at 6.30 pm in the Forum Wissen.
Address: Forum Wissen
Berliner Straße 38
37073 Göttingen
Contact:
Dr Ramona Dölling
Centre for Collection Development
Weender Landstraße 2
37073 Göttingen, Germany
Email: ramona.doelling@uni-goettingen.de